Government to extend mandatory retirement age

Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson, on Wednesday, announced that the Government is in the process of re-examining the mandatory retirement age so as to enable the country's senior citizens to continue contributing to national development.

Robinson was speaking at the press launch of the 40th anniversary of the National Council for Senior Citizens, which was held at the Church of God in Jamaica on Constant Spring Road in Kingston.

"From a policy perspective, the Government is re-examining the mandatory retirement age to enable older persons to contribute more to national development, while, at the same time, ageing actively. For example, seniors can transfer skills, experience and cultural knowledge to young and maturing Jamaicans. In our workplaces, let us examine the idea of phased withdrawal, rather than an abrupt retirement of skills, so that the organisation can truly benefit," Robinson said.

"I believe this is worth exploring, particularly in the public sector, where capturing knowledge, developing competencies and creating leaders are vitally important in our prosperity agenda," Robinson continued.

Anniversary celebration activities continue on May 20, when the council will host a Centenarians' Day awards ceremony at the Church of God in Jamaica and an anniversary thanksgiving service on May 22. This will be held at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard in Kingston.